It’s Monday morning and Northeast Ohio can pick its collective jaw off the floor given that every football fan in the area has had the opportunity to absorb one fact – the Cleveland Browns sit alone in first place courtesy of their demolition of the Cincinnati Bengals and the New York Jets, coached by Browns coach Mike Pettine’s buddy Rex Ryan did the team a favor and knocked the Pittsburgh Steelers on their collective butts 20-13. I’m sure folks in Berea are saying: “Thanks, Rex!”

They are in sole possession of first place in division after midway point of season for 1st time in AFC North history, according to a spokesman.

The reality is the Browns played their way into the position. Quarterback Brian Hoyer’s done it despite calls from a vocal, rabid minority calling for the heir apparent, his backup Johnny Manziel.

When the Browns selected Manziel with the 22nd pick of this past spring’s draft, the talk was that Manziel would make the team relevant. Balderdash.